In our last issue, we've learned that we need to be careful when it comes to what we feed our minds. Now that we've fed it with nutritious food, it's time to work out the mind. Your mind is like a muscle and the more you work it out and feed it, the more it will grow. So how can we work out the mind?
Problem Solving
Solving problems is one of the best ways to work out your mind because it forces you to think with both sides of the brain, the logical side and the creative side. Take some time everyday and think of how you can solve some of the problems that you're facing when it comes to achieving your goals. Write the problem down in the form of a clear question and start writing down up to 20 answers. This is a simple, yet powerful way to solve problems. I know it sounds too simple, but I guarantee when you actually sit down to do it, you'll be very surprised at the results. It's powerful because as you write, you "empty' what's in your mind and allow new ideas to form and as you look at the ideas you've written down, your mind starts to build tangents off those ideas to create new ones.
Journaling
Writing in a journal is another way to work out your mind. Rather than let your thoughts "stagnate" inside your mind, let them flow out from your mind onto paper. This will give your mind in essence "fresh air" to breath everyday. Writing exercises the mind because it takes out whats in your mind and forces you to come up with more. Keep a journal of your daily thoughts, feelings, what you've accomplished this day, what you're moving toward, etc. in order to work out your mind. You'll often find that while journaling, you'll find yourself thinking of new ideas to implement.
Debate
Whenever you come across new information, try to play Devil's advocate. Ask reverse questions to cover the entire angle of something. Learn to use the words "why" and "how". Why is what I just read true? Using the word why is a good test to see how much you understand the information you came across. How can I apply it in my life? How is one of the best ways to work out your mind because the word how forces you to think. By using the word how, you assume that it CAN be done. Now it's just a matter of finding out how.
Pretend You're Teaching Somebody
Along the same lines of whenever you come across new information, pretend that there is a person right next to you who is clueless on the subject and imagine it's your job to teach that person what you just learned. This forces you to actually comprehend the new material to the degree that you can make another person understand it. If you understand it well enough to explain it to another person, that knowledge becomes more "ingrained" within you.
Follow Through On Tasks
This is a powerful way you can strengthen your mind. Whenever you are doing a task, be conscious of it and follow through. If you are making dinner, make it all the way. Don't stop in the middle to watch TV. If you are brainstorming and need 20 ideas, finish it with 20 ideas. Don't stop at #19 to check your email. If you told yourself you're going to walk 1 mile, then walk 1 mile. Do this to condition your mind to follow through because when you start following through on little things, the big things become a piece of cake. To make it easier the first time around, try breaking down big tasks into smaller ones and finish those off by following through on them.
Visualize
I know I've talked it before but try visualizing every day for at least 10 minutes. 5 minutes when you wake up and 5 minutes before you sleep. By doing so, you exercise your visualization muscle. You always get better at something if you keep on practicing. The more you visualize, the more clearer the picture in your mind becomes, the more vivid the emotions feel and the more certain you become of attaining your goal. You will get better at it if you keep on doing it.
Exercise
There is no doubt a psycho somatic link between mind and body. If you have a strong body, you'll have a strong mind. If you're fit enough to lift weights, I highly encourage you to go on a regimen of weight lifting. It doesn't always have to be weights though. Running, walking, biking, any sort of cardiovascular activity will help sharpen your mind. Please consult your doctor before going on any exercise regimen.
Things That Weaken Your Mind
On the topic of strengthening your mind, it's also prudent to list things that can weaken your mind in order to avoid them.
The fact is that YOU are your own worst enemy. YOU are the greatest thing that can weaken your mind.
When you focus on your fears and doubt, YOU are weakening your mind because that paralyzes you and you tend not to take any action because of that. When you talk negatively to yourself, YOU are weakening your mind because you allow those negative thoughts to reach your subconscious mind. When you watch TV and allow your brain to effectively shut off for hours everyday, it is YOU who is weakening your mind. When you cease to avoid destructive negative influences from the people around you, it is YOU who is weakening your mind.
In essence, it is all up to YOU to strengthen your mind and it is up to you NOT to weaken your mind. Everything begins and ends with you.
We've covered a lot of ground here so the next installment will give you a brief summarization of what's been discussed.
To the inevitable achievement of all your hopes and dreams,
Brian Kim
http://www.briankim.net
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